Top 5 Lakes around Réserve naturelle du Massif du Monte Ritondu

Among the most popular are Lake Melo, known for its picturesque setting at 1,710 meters, and Lake Capitello, the deepest natural mountain lake in Corsica, located just above Melo. Visitors also highly appreciate Lake of Oriente for its unique pozzines and high-altitude tranquility.

The hikes to these high-altitude lakes are generally considered demanding and require good physical fitness and sturdy shoes. For example, the trail to Lake Melo and Lake Capitello involves significant elevation gain, and the route to Lake of Oriente is also demanding. Some routes, like the one to Lac de Bettaniella, can be steep and partially unmarked, requiring hand use in sections.

You can expect to see stunning glacial landscapes, deep blue waters set in granite basins, and unique natural features like *pozzines* (natural water-filled depressions in peat bogs) around lakes such as Lake of Oriente and Grand Lac de Rinosu. The region is characterized by rugged peaks and diverse mountain ecosystems.

The best time to visit is generally in the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn, when trails are clearer of snow. Many of the high-altitude lakes, like Lake Capitello and Lac de Bellebone, remain frozen for several months of the year due to their elevation.

Yes, swimming is generally prohibited in many of the pristine high-altitude lakes, including Lake Melo and Lake Capitello, to preserve their excellent water quality and delicate ecosystems.

The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking and running. You can find numerous trails, such as the challenging 'Lac de Mélo and lac de Capitello via the Restonica valley' hike or the 'Lac de l'Oriente loop'. For more options, explore the hiking guide or the running trails guide for the region.

For popular destinations like Lake Melo, there is parking available at the starting point, though it can be limited. Due to recent changes, the access route to Melo now starts from the Frassetta parking area, making the hike longer.

Lac de Capitello is unique as the deepest natural mountain lake in Corsica, reaching 42 meters. It's renowned for its intense blue waters within a granite basin and is often frozen for over eight months a year due to its high altitude of 1,930 meters.

Yes, it's possible to combine visits to several lakes. For instance, Lac de Capitello is located just above Lac de Melo, making them a popular combined hiking destination. Lac de Scapucciole is also situated between Lac de Bellebone and Lac de Cavacciole, offering opportunities for multi-lake treks.

Lac de l'Oriente, nestled at over 2,000 meters, is notable for its unique natural features, including lush, grassy *pozzines* that surround its relatively shallow waters. It offers a profound sense of tranquility and unspoiled mountain scenery, making the demanding hike highly rewarding.

Beyond the most popular, you can explore Lac de Cavacciole, known for its excellent ecological condition, or Grand Lac de Rinosu, which offers an idyllic setting with *pozzines* and the chance to see wild horses and pigs. Lac de Scapucciole and Lac de Bellebone (Lac de Bettaniella) also provide stunning high-altitude experiences.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning, unspoiled natural beauty, the deep blue waters surrounded by rocky peaks, and the challenging yet rewarding hiking experiences. The sense of achievement after reaching these high-altitude destinations and the panoramic views are often highlighted as major draws.